[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Rockwood 3-4-2009 by Ord. No.
451.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Electrical standards — See Ch. 65.
Tobacco sales signs — See Ch. 231.
Zoning — See Ch. 270.
Sign permit fees — See Ch. A276.
Fines and/or penalties — See Ch. A277.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch.
202, Signs, adopted 11-19-2003 by Ord. No. 419, originally adopted
10-1-1997 by Ord. No. 356, as amended.
A.
It is hereby determined that the proliferation of signs in the City
can unduly distract motorists and pedestrians, thereby creating traffic
hazards and reducing the effectiveness of signs needed to direct and
warn the public. It is also determined that the aesthetic appearance
of the small town is marred by a proliferation of signs. A proliferation
of signs can restrict light and air, negatively affect property values,
and result in an inappropriate use of land.
B.
The purpose of this chapter is to control the occurrence and size
of signs to reduce the aforementioned negative effects; to enhance
the overall aesthetics within the City through regulation which allows
and provides a reasonable means of communication that is attractive
and safe for pedestrians as well as vehicular traffic. To achieve
this purpose, the following objectives are outlined:
(1)
To control the location of all signs in a manner which will not obscure
the signs of adjacent businesses and establishments.
(2)
To keep the signs at a reasonable height and scale to ensure their
legibility and compatibility with their surroundings.
(3)
To restrict the size, placement and number of off-premises, nonaccessory
or billboard signs so that they do not conflict with business, residential
and other land uses and to ensure that such signs are in keeping with
the small-town character of the City and its limited needs for business
advertising within the City boundaries. The restriction of off-premises
signs and billboards to industrial districts is intended to serve
Rockwood's important small-town community interests, and to promote
legitimate and significant aesthetic interests which are intended
to enhance property values.
(4)
To restrict excessive and confusing sign displays that do not relate
to the premises on which they are located.
(5)
To keep street intersections clear of signs which might obstruct
or distract the view of motorists.
(6)
To restrict the proliferation of signs that will result in visual
clutter, blight and an inappropriate use of land.
(7)
To safeguard and enhance property values, protect private and public
investment in buildings and open spaces, and to protect health, safety,
and general welfare.
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, company, firm,
corporation or any entity to erect, construct, maintain or alter any
sign in the City without complying with the provisions of this chapter.
The City Administrator, the Building Official, police officers
or any other City official designated by the City Council (i.e., Code
Enforcement Officer) shall be authorized to enforce this chapter.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A sign which advertises the use of the premises on which
the sign is located, the product sold or produced on the same site,
including but not limited to the name and address of the owner.
A sign which calls attention of the public to a product,
activity, service, commodity or business.
A temporary sign with two faces attached at the top and spread
apart at the bottom to form a triangular support form.
A sign which uses lights, moving parts, or other means to
depict action, create an image of a living creature or person, or
create a special effect or scene.
A sign painted on, printed on or attached to the surface
of nonrigid materials on a supporting framework attached to the exterior
wall of a building.
A temporary sign composed of an inflatable, nonporous bag.
A temporary sign made of cloth, fabric, plastic, or other
nonrigid material without an enclosing structural frame.
A large outdoor, nonaccessory or off-premises sign, the face
of which is rented or leased for advertising services or products,
activities, persons, policies or events which are not made, produced,
assembled, stored, distributed, leased, sold or conducted upon the
premises upon which the billboard is located.
A permanent sign with temporary or replaceable letters or
characters used to announce functions or activities and the dates
thereof.
A sign on which the message changes automatically (for example,
time or temperature).
A temporary, portable, a-frame, sandwich board, lawn or special
purpose sign, other than a bulletin board, which is erected for a
limited period of time to call attention to special events sponsored
by nonprofit groups, associations or corporations not for profit.
A temporary sign advertising a construction project under
development identifying the developers, contractors, engineers, brokers
and architects of the building under construction.
A permanent sign designed for the purpose of orientation
and either privately placed or placed by the City, county, state or
federal government.
A permanent sign that generates words and/or numbers into
messages that repeat, move or change periodically.
A permanent sign identifying a single or multifamily residential
subdivision or condominium complex.
A flag is a banner used as a symbol of a nation, state or
other governmental entity or other organization.
A sign that is intermittently illuminated or reflects light
intermittently from either an artificial source or the sun.
A permanent sign supported by one or more uprights, poles,
pylons or foundation permanently set into the ground and not attached
to any building or other structure.
A temporary sign erected to notify the public of a sale of
previously owned household items at a private residence. This definition
applies equally to yard sale and rummage sale signs.
A permanent freestanding sign supported by a permanent base
on the ground or mounted on permanently imbedded post(s) extending
not more than three feet above the ground.
The vertical distance measured from the ground immediately
beneath the sign to the highest point of the face of the sign or its
supporting structure if higher than the sign face.
A sign which does not meet the requirements of this chapter
and which has not received legal nonconforming status.
A sign that provides artificial light on or through any translucent
or transparent material from a light source within the sign or from
an externally shielded light not visible from the right-of-way or
from abutting property.
A temporary sign consisting of a nonporous bag or balloon
inflated with air or gas.
A sign which is visible from the public street, sidewalk,
alley, or parking lot through an exterior window of a building.
A temporary sign with metal or wooden support legs which
are pushed or driven into the ground. Such signs are typically used
as political signs, garage sales, for-lease or for-sale signs and
other signs noticing activities of limited duration.
A permanent structure constructed of rigid materials that
projects from the exterior wall of a building generally over the means
of ingress or egress of the building to which a sign is affixed.
A sign in which the sign itself or any portion thereof moves
or revolves.
A design or representation painted or drawn on an exterior
wall which does not contain promotional or commercial advertising.
A sign which identifies a use or advertises products and
services not available on the site or parcel on which the sign is
located or provides a message unrelated to the site on which the sign
is located. A billboard is a nonaccessory sign.
A sign which is prohibited under the terms of this chapter,
but was erected lawfully and was in use at the time of the passage
of this chapter or amendment thereof.
A sign which has a permanent location on the ground or which
is permanently affixed or attached to a structure and which meets
the structural requirements for signs as established in the Building
Code.
A sign which provides notices of a public nature, such as
"no trespassing" or "no hunting."
A temporary sign used in connection with a local, state or
national election or referendum or a permanent sign expressing a political
point of view.
A sign attached to a support structure designed to facilitate
the movement of the sign from one location to another. The sign may
or may not have wheels, changeable letters, be illuminated and/or
have portable hitches. A sign which is not supported by a structure
permanently set into the ground pursuant to the requirements of the
Building Code.
A temporary sign used to draw attention to matters temporary
in nature, such as price changes or sales. A-frame or sandwich signs
are poster panel signs.
A double-faced sign permanently attached to the roof or exterior
wall of a building which projects out from the building so as to be
viewed from both directions.
A sign advertising the construction and sale of lots, homes
or building space in a subdivision, condominium complex or real estate
development (such as a shopping center).
A sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is
located as for sale.
A display sign which is erected, constructed and maintained
above any portion of the roof, be it attached to the roof itself or
the exterior walls of a building.
Visual or graphic device, or any object or form, designed
through the use of words, numbers, colors, designs, characters or
symbols to inform or attract attention and which is designed to be
visible from outside any building or structure in which, upon which,
or attached to which it may be located. Any announcement, display,
billboard, illustration and insignia when designed and placed so as
to attract general public attention. A sign shall be deemed to be
a single sign whenever the proximity, design, content, or continuity
reasonably suggest a single unit notwithstanding any physical separation
between one or more separate parts. The word "sign" shall include
any, but not be limited to, a banner, bulb, or other lighting device,
streamer, pennant, balloon, insignia, emblem, logo, painting, placard,
poster, propeller, flag (other than the official flag of a nation,
state or local government), and any similar device of any kind, whether
bearing letters or not, illuminated or nonilluminated, which is visible
from a public place, including but not limited to highways, streets,
alleys or public property or is located on private property and exposed
to the public, which directs attention to a product, service, place,
activity, person, institution, business, solicitation, political candidate,
issue, policy, election or position on any particular topic.
The entire area within a circle, triangle, rectangle or other
geometric shape enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation,
emblem or any figure of similar character, together with any frame
or other material, graphic or color forming an integral part of the
display or message, or used to differentiate the sign from the background
against which it is placed, excluding the necessary supports or uprights
on which such sign is placed, if no advertising matter is placed thereon.
A temporary sign indicating a special purpose, activity or
event which is installed for a limited period of time.
A permanent ground sign advertising the name of a subdivision
which is constructed on private property within the subdivision and
owned by the developer of the subdivision or the subdivision's
homeowners' association, otherwise known as an "entranceway sign."
Any type of sign or other advertising device constructed
of cloth, canvas, fabric, plastic, paper or other light temporary
material, with or without a structural frame which is not permanently
affixed to the exterior wall of a building or permanently set into
the ground pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Building
Code, or any sign intended for a limited period of display, but not
including decorative displays for holidays or public demonstrations;
examples: for sale, rent or lease.
Signs painted or mounted on the side of a vehicle, including
signs on the face of a truck or trailer, intended to be used as a
portable or semipermanent sign at the location of the vehicle.
A sign placed flat, adjacent to the exterior wall of a building.
A freestanding sign with single or multiple faces for the
purposes of relaying directional, historical, environmental, cultural,
or educational information to persons utilizing designated nonmotorized
pathways and are subject to design regulations as noted in this chapter.
Wayside exhibits include: upright (kiosk); low-profile; and trailside
signs. (See § 202-9.)
A sign or placard placed on the inside of a window and intended
to be viewed from the outside.
Any publicly displayed sign as defined above, any symbol or
notice on the premises to advertise the business transacted at such
location, product, goods, service sold or provided therein, or name
of the person or firm conducting said business on the premises, or
directing the reader to some other locale, or which calls attention
of the public to a product, activity, service, commodity or business
not located on the premises, shall be regulated as follows:
A.
Permit. Any person, partnership, company, corporation or entity who
desires to erect or display any form of sign as defined herein, unless
otherwise exempt, shall first apply for and secure a permit from the
City to display said sign.
C.
Clear corner vision. Signs, except as otherwise permitted herein,
shall not be located at a street corner which would obscure the vision
of drivers using such streets, and shall not conflict with traffic
control signals at the intersection of any street. No sign, except
as otherwise permitted herein, shall be located within a triangular
area formed at the intersection of any two street right-of-way lines
by a straight line drawn between such right-of-way lines at a distance
along each line 25 feet from their point of intersection, unless specifically
approved by City Council.
D.
Illumination. Signs can only be illuminated by approved lighting
devices. All illuminated signs shall be arranged or shielded so as
not to interfere with the vision of persons on adjacent thoroughfares
and/or adjacent properties, and in no event shall an illuminated sign
shine onto adjacent property which is used for residential purposes.
E.
Permanent nonaccessory signs. Permanent nonaccessory advertising
signs are only allowed in M-1 and M-2 Industrial Districts.
F.
Temporary nonaccessory signs. Temporary nonaccessory signs, such
as real estate development signs designed to advertise the sale of
lots in a residential subdivision under development, portable signs
or placards advertising a community event, private activity or special
sale, may be permitted on a temporary basis in any district but only
upon securing approval as required in § 202-10 or 202-11.
G.
Billboards. Billboards are permanent nonaccessory signs and are only
permitted in M-1 and M-2 Industrial Districts, provided they meet
the requirements of this chapter and the state construction and electrical
codes, and are not located within 1,000 feet from a residential use,
residentially zoned district or 2,000 feet from the location of another
billboard sign.
H.
Code compliance. All signs shall be erected and maintained in compliance
with all applicable adopted building and electrical codes and any
other applicable ordinances governing sign construction and location
within the City. All signs shall be constructed so as to withstand
normal wind forces encountered in the area as determined by the Building
Official.
I.
Maintenance. All signs shall be properly maintained in good working
order and shall not be allowed to become unsightly or insecure, or
in danger of falling through disrepair or action of the elements.
Paper or paper-faced or plastic-wrap signs shall be maintained free
of peeling paint, tears, sun fading, staining, rust or other conditions
which might impair the legibility of such sign or cause it to become
unsightly.
J.
Garage sale or yard sale signs. Yard sale, garage sale and rummage
signs require a permit from the City. No more than two such permits
may be secured by the same property owner for the same residential
address in one calendar year. This limitation on the number of permits
excludes and does not include participation in the City-wide yard
sale. A rummage, garage or yard sale may take place no more than three
consecutive days at a time. The sign advertising the sale must be
removed within 24 hours from the last day of the sale.
[Amended 9-21-2011 by Ord. No. 472]
A.
Building Official and Planning Commission approval. Any permanent
sign, not otherwise exempted from a permit requirement under this
chapter, must be approved by the Building Official before a sign permit
is issued. If the sign is a freestanding pole or vertical in-ground
sign, a marquee or projecting sign or a billboard which changes the
original approved site plans, said sign shall be approved by the Planning
Commission before approval by the Building Official.
B.
Building and electrical permits. Except as provided in § 202-7,
it shall be unlawful for any person to construct, erect, re-erect,
move, alter, enlarge or illuminate any sign unless a building permit
shall have been first obtained from the City Building Department.
Any sign that makes use of electricity shall, in addition to a sign
permit, require an electrical permit, regardless of size.
C.
Permit applications. Applications for sign permits shall be made
upon forms provided by the City for this purpose and shall contain
the following information:
(1)
Name, address and phone number of the applicant.
(2)
Location of the building, structure or lot on which the sign is to
be attached or erected.
(3)
Position of the sign on the building, structure or lot on which the
sign is to be attached or erected.
(4)
Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings, structures,
signs, property lines and rights-of-way, existing or proposed.
(5)
Zoning district in which the sign is located.
(6)
Two copies of the sign plans and specifications for method of construction
and attachment to the building or in the ground. The sign plans shall
include all pertinent data, including the highest point, low-point
clearance, face outline and total face area, with method of calculation.
When public safety so requires, the specifications shall include the
certificate or seal of a registered structural or civil engineer as
a condition to the issuance of the permit.
(7)
Name and address of the sign erector, with a copy of his or her license
and insurance policy.
(8)
Such other information as the Building Department may require to
show full compliance with this chapter, the building and zoning code
and all other applicable laws of the City and the state.
D.
Sign maintenance or change of message. No permit shall be required
for ordinary servicing, repainting of existing message, or the cleaning
of a sign. No permit is required for change of message of a sign designed
for periodic message change without change of structure, including,
in particular, a bulletin board, but not including a sign to which
a new permanent face must be attached to change the message.
A sign permit is not required for the signs listed in this section.
Such exemptions, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner
from meeting the proper location, erection, removal and maintenance
requirements set forth in §§ 202-10 and 202-11 of this
chapter.
A.
Government signs: signs erected by or on behalf or pursuant to the
authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, informational
signs, or regulatory signs.
B.
Flags: flags, pennants or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit
organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion
or as an advertising device.
C.
Address signs: signs not exceeding two square feet in area and bearing
only property numbers, post box numbers, names of occupants of premises,
or other identification not having commercial connotations.
D.
Street signs: signs erected by the City, county, state or federal
government for street names, traffic control, or direction and information.
E.
Property direction signs: signs solely for the purpose of directing
and guiding traffic and parking on private property that does not
exceed three feet square.
F.
Handicap signs: not exceeding four square feet each and bearing no
advertising material.
G.
Architectural features or artwork: integral decorative or architectural
features of buildings or works of art as long as they are first approved
by the Planning Commission and such features or works do not contain
letters, trademarks, moving parts, or lights.
H.
Small accessory signs: any sign erected on a premises which is no
more than two square feet in area, such as "no trespassing" signs,
or signs warning of animals. The total area of all small accessory
signs on one premises shall not exceed eight square feet, except in
residential areas, where such signs shall not exceed six square feet.
I.
Political signs: Political signs shall be permitted subject to the
following conditions:
(1)
Political signs shall be placed on private property only and only
with the permission of the property owner.
(2)
Political signs cannot be located within a local, county or state
right-of-way, attached to any utility pole, other sign or sign parts
or landscaping, including trees.
(3)
Political signs can only be freestanding, lawn or wall signs.
(5)
No more than one sign per candidate or issue shall be permitted at
one location.
J.
Real estate signs: Temporary signs used for advertising land or buildings
for rent, lease and/or sale shall be permitted only on the land or
building intended to be rented, leased and/or sold with the permission
of the property owner.
K.
Open house signs: Open house signs shall be permitted between the
sidewalk and the curb at the corner of intersections between the hours
of 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on the day the residence is open for
viewing. Real estate and open house signs may be regulated by the
Police Department to insure compliance with this chapter to insure
that they in no way impede or become a hazard to traffic. Open house
signs or real estate signs found in violation of this section may
be removed and taken to City Hall. Any sign not recovered within 48
hours may be destroyed by the City.
L.
Temporary window signs or interior placards: Temporary widow signs
or placards are allowed without a permit, subject to the regulations
in § 202-10.
M.
Historic markers: Historical markers under the authority of the local,
state or federal government are allowed without a permit.
N.
Temporary placards: A temporary placard not exceeding two square
feet may be placed on private property without a permit for a period
not to exceed 24 hours.
O.
Light strings and holiday decorations: These items are permitted
during the holiday seasons without a permit.
P.
Umbrella: a sign or advertising that is an integral part of a fabric
umbrella, used primarily to provide shade or cover to customers at
a dining table within an approved outdoor dining area in conjunction
with a licensed food service area.
Q.
Construction sign: A sign under 64 square feet advertising the name
of the company doing the construction or repair work on the premises
where the sign is located shall be permitted once a building permit
for construction has been issued. It shall be removed immediately
after the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy.
R.
Help wanted signs: Help wanted signs are permitted on a temporary
basis when soliciting employees for the place of business where posted.
If the sign remains in place for over a week, a permit shall be required.
The following signs are prohibited throughout the City, notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this chapter:
A.
Animated or moving signs: signs that revolve, are animated or that
utilize movement or apparent movement to attract attention, except
signs indicating the time, date or temperature or barber poles.
B.
Flashing signs: signs which are illuminated by or in any manner incorporate
lights that flash, twinkle, move, or give the appearance of movements.
D.
String lights: Exterior string lights used in connection with a commercial
premises are not permitted other than for holiday decorations.
E.
Unsafe signs: any sign which is structurally or electrically unsafe
or is not kept in good repair such that it has broken parts, missing
letters or nonoperational lights.
F.
Signs on utility poles and landscaping: any sign erected on a utility
pole, directional signpost, or tree or any other landscaping which
is not erected by the City, county, state or federal government or
a public transit agency.
G.
Signs on closed businesses: any business sign or sign structure now
or hereafter existing which advertises a business conducted or a product
sold which no longer exists, is no longer sold, or is no longer in
business on the premises on which the sign is located. Such sign shall
be considered nonconforming and abandoned and shall, within 30 days
after such abandonment, be removed by the sign owner, the owner of
the property where the sign is located, or other party having control
over such sign.
H.
Portable, nonexempt and nonanchored signs: portable signs, signs
that appear to be freestanding but are not permanently anchored or
secured to either a building or the ground in compliance with the
Building Code, are prohibited, except as otherwise permitted or excepted
herefrom.
I.
Signs on vehicles: signs displayed on vehicles, trailers or containers
when the subject vehicle, trailer or container is parked with the
sole intent to attract attention to a certain business, service, or
commodity either on or off the premises on which the vehicle, trailer
or container is located. This does not include for sale signs of the
vehicle itself, or logos, names and addresses of companies on the
doors or panels of commercial vehicles. It applies to trucks, trailers
or containers without the cab or vans left on a premises to advertise
a service or product in order to avoid the application of the City's
sign ordinance.
J.
Sign structures without signs: The owner of any sign support structure
or frame no longer containing a sign shall, within 30 days of the
removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire
message portion of the sign or remove the structural components of
the sign. This subsection shall not be construed to prevent the changing
of the message of the sign or interfere with the sale or change of
ownership of the property on which the sign is located. The new sign
shall be completed within 30 days of taking down the old message or
from the sale of the property.
K.
Roof-mounted signs: No roof-mounted signs shall be allowed in the
City.
L.
Projecting signs: No projecting signs shall be permitted in the City.
M.
Public rights-of-way: No sign, temporary or permanent, or any pole
or support cable of any nature for any sign, except those established
and maintained by the City, county, state or federal governments,
shall be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way
or dedicated public easement between the edge of the street and the
public sidewalk if there is one, unless otherwise authorized in this
chapter except for the public right-of-way along Fort Street, which
may be available for use with administrative approval.
N.
Traffic interference. No sign shall be erected or maintained which
simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering, or design any traffic
sign or signal or in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead,
confuse or obstruct the view of or be confused with an authorized
traffic signal or device.
O.
Other. Any signs not expressly permitted in this chapter shall be
prohibited.
Nonmotorized pathway signs. These regulations are intended to
permit signs and other displays that are needed for the purposes of
providing identification, historical information, directional and
mapping along designated nonmotorized pathway systems in any zoning
district. Nonmotorized pathway signs shall enhance the aesthetic appeal
of the designated nonmotorized pathways within the City, as identified
by the Non-Motorized Pathway Master Plan. These regulations are intended
to regulate trailside, low-profile, upright, informational kiosks,
and historical signs. These regulations are also intended to prevent
excessive accumulation of signs, which cause visual clutter.
A.
Permitted placement. Nonmotorized pathway signs shall be permitted
in all zoning districts which contain a nonmotorized pathway as indicated
on the City's Non-Motorized Pathway Master Plan.
B.
Number. The number of nonmotorized pathway signs shall not exceed
one upright (kiosk) sign for every 1/2 mile of linear path and no
more than two low-profile signs on privately owned property. The number
of signs permitted within publicly owned parks or property shall be
determined by the City Council, upon a recommendation of the Planning
Commission.
C.
Size. The maximum size of each such sign shall be as follows:
(1)
Upright; single or multiple-faced kiosk-style exhibits;
(a)
Shall not exceed 12 feet in height;
(b)
Panel sizes shall be no larger than 12 square feet (24 inches
by 36 inches or 36 inches by 48 inches);
(c)
Shall be limited to a maximum of three panels for each exhibit;
(d)
Shall be constructed to approved industry standards;
(e)
Shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the edge of the
designated trail. Roof edges shall be a minimum of three feet from
the trail edge;
(f)
Shall be placed on an accessible pad.
(2)
Vertical angle; low-profile exhibits:
(a)
Shall not exceed five feet in height;
(b)
Panel sizes shall be no larger than six square feet;
(c)
Shall be limited to one panel for each exhibit;
(d)
Shall be constructed to approved industry standards;
(e)
Shall be a minimum of 32 inches in height from the bottom of
the exhibit panel to the finished grade;
(f)
Shall be angled at 30° or 45°;
(g)
Shall be accessible.
(3)
Trail-side:
(a)
Panel sizes shall be 5 1/2 inches in width and 11 1/2
inches in height;
(b)
Shall be set back a minimum of three feet from the trail edge;
(c)
Shall be constructed to adopted standards;
(d)
Shall be a minimum of 32 inches in height from the bottom of
the exhibit panel to the finished grade;
(e)
Shall be angled at 30°;
(f)
Shall be accessible.
D.
Location. Signs shall comply with the setback requirements as noted
above and shall not endanger life or limb, confuse or mislead traffic,
obstruct vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger
the public health or safety. Wayside exhibits shall have accessible
hard-surfaced pads.
E.
Panels. Panels shall be constructed of porcelain enamel, fiberglass
embedded or digital print, subject to Planning Commission approval.
F.
Advertising. Nonmotorized pathway signs shall not be permitted on
a parcel for the purposes of advertising events, the sale of merchandise,
commercial business establishments, or any other form of public or
private promotion.
All temporary signs, not otherwise exempt, require a permit
to be issued by the City prior to being displayed. Temporary commercial
merchandising signs, including A-frame signs, displayed outdoors are
not to be left outdoors 24 hours a day. The issuance of the permit
is subject to the limitations set forth in the following table:
|
Temporary Sign Standards
| |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type of Sign
|
Districts Permitted
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Maximum Number Per Parcel
|
Permit Required
|
Required Setback
|
Permitted Duration
|
|
Construction sign
|
All
|
64 square feet
|
15 feet
|
1
|
No
|
(a)
|
From issuance of building permit to the issuance of
certificate of occupancy
|
|
Real estate, sale or lease of individual home or residential
lot
|
Residential
|
6 square feet
|
6 feet
|
1 per street frontage
|
No
|
(a)
|
Remove within 30 days of sale or lease
|
|
Real estate, sale or lease of individual business or
vacant lot
|
Office, commercial, industrial
|
16 square feet
|
10 feet
|
1 per street frontage
|
No
|
(a)
|
Remove within 15 days of sale or lease or lease of
unplatted vacant land
|
|
Real estate, sale or lease of unplatted vacant land
|
All
|
64 square feet
|
10 feet
|
1 per street frontage
|
Yes
|
(a)
|
Remove within 15 days of sale or lease
|
|
Real estate development sign
|
All
|
64 square feet
|
10 feet
|
1 per street frontage
|
Yes
|
(a)(g)
|
Remove within 15 days after all units or lots are sold
or leased
|
|
Grand opening sign
|
Commercial
|
16 square feet
|
10 feet
|
1
|
No
|
(a)
|
60 days
|
|
Garage sale sign
|
Residential
|
4 square feet
|
5 feet
|
2
|
Yes
|
(d)
|
3 consecutive days, removed immediately after sale
|
|
Community, church, nonprofit, educational, special
event sign
|
All
|
(e)
|
(e)
|
(e)
|
Yes
|
(a)
|
Displayed not more than 2 weeks prior; removal within
48 hours
|
|
Political sign
|
Office, residential, commercial and industrial
|
16 square feet
|
10 feet
|
1 per candidate facing each street frontage
|
No
|
(d)
|
From 45 days prior to election to 7 days after election
|
|
Window sign, placard
|
Commercial
|
25% of window area
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
No
|
Not app.
|
30 days for each sign
|
|
Merchandise window sign
|
Commercial
|
25% of window area in which sign is placed
|
Not applicable
|
Not applicable
|
No
|
Not app.
|
7 days before day of sale not to exceed a total of
30 days
|
|
Temporary movable signs
|
Commercial
|
A-frame sign or moveable on wheels
|
4 x 8
|
1
|
Yes
|
(d)
|
A-frame: 1 year; moveable on wheels: 7 days before
sale not to exceed a total of 30 days. 2 sales permitted per permit
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
(a)
|
The temporary sign shall comply with the setback requirements
for the district in which it is located.
|
|
(b)
|
On a corner parcel, two signs, one facing each street, shall
be permitted.
|
|
(c)
|
One sign shall be permitted for each frontage on a secondary
or major thoroughfare.
|
|
(d)
|
The temporary sign may be located in the required setback area,
but shall not be located within the road right-of-way, except as permitted
under § 202-8M.
|
|
(e)
|
Community special event signs may include ground or wall signs,
banners, pennants, or similar displays; the number, size and height
of such signs shall be subject to administrative approval.
|
|
(f)
|
The total of all window signs, temporary and permanent, shall
not exceed 25% of the total window area.
|
|
(g)
|
Real estate development signs shall not be erected within 100
feet of any occupied dwelling unit.
|
|
All temporary signs requiring permits will be administratively
approved unless the applicant requires waiver of fee or an extension
of time. Said waivers are given only with approval of City Council.
| |
Requirements for permanent signs in individual zoning districts
are contained in the following tables:
A.
RA-1, RA-2, RA-3: Single-Family Residential.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall (address)
|
1
|
2 square feet
|
6 inches
|
No
|
No
|
|
Entranceway (serving 4 or more lots or units)
|
1
|
30 square feet and not more than 50% of entranceway structure
|
6 feet
|
Yes
|
10 feet
|
|
Churches, schools, nonprofit institutions, governmental buildings
| |||||
|
1 ground sign
|
1
|
30 square feet
|
6 feet
|
Yes
|
1/3 distance from the lot line to building;
|
|
or
| |||||
|
1 bulletin board
|
1
|
30 square feet
|
6 feet
|
Yes
|
Maximum 100 feet
|
(1)
Condominium master deeds or homeowners' association documents and
related deed restrictions shall contain provisions acceptable to the
City Attorney for perpetual maintenance of entranceway signs, and
such provisions shall be recorded with the county Register of Deeds.
(2)
One ground sign or one bulletin board sign shall be permitted for
churches, schools, nonprofit institutional or government builders,
but not one of each.
B.
R-B and R-C: Multiple-Family Residential.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall
|
1 per street frontage
|
5% of wall area to which sign is affixed
|
Cannot project above the roofline
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
|
Ground
|
1
|
30 square feet and not more than 5% of entranceway structure
|
6 feet
|
Yes
|
10 feet
|
|
Freestanding
|
None
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
C.
R-M: Mobile Home Park District.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ground
|
1 per street frontage
|
30 square feet
|
6 feet
|
Yes
|
10 feet
|
|
or
| |||||
|
Entranceway
|
1
|
30 square feet and not to exceed 50% of structure
|
6 feet
|
Yes
|
10 feet
|
|
Wall (office identification)
|
1
|
6 square feet
|
3 feet
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
(1)
The site may have either a ground sign or an entranceway sign but
not both.
D.
OR: Office/Residential.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Freestanding
|
1
|
10 square feet
|
4 feet
|
Yes
|
20 feet from residential property line; 10 feet from nonresidential
structure
|
|
Wall
|
1
|
18 square feet
|
3 feet
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
E.
O-1: Office District.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ground sign
|
1 per street frontage
|
50 square feet
|
8 feet
|
Yes
|
15 feet from lot line
|
|
Wall
|
1 per street frontage
|
Maximum of 10% of wall area sign is affixed to facing street
|
Not above roof
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
(1)
The total signage permitted shall be proportional to the street frontage
based on a ratio of one square foot of signage permitted for every
two linear feet of lot frontage or 50 square feet, whichever is less.
The total signage permitted on a lot with more than 200 feet of frontage
shall be an additional 0.25 square foot per two feet of frontage.
F.
B1: Local Business District.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall
|
2 signs per tenant
|
Maximum 10% of wall area
|
Not above roofline
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
|
Awnings and companies marquees
|
See Subsection F(3)
|
2 square feet for each linear foot of wall it is attached to,
not to exceed 40 square feet
|
Not above roofline
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
|
Interior window signs
|
See Subsection F(4)
|
25% of window area through which sign is viewed
|
Permanent signs, yes
|
N/A
| |
|
A-frame or sandwich signs
|
1
|
2 feet
|
4 feet
|
Yes
|
1 foot
|
(1)
The total signage permitted shall be proportional to street frontage,
based on a ratio of one square foot of signage for every two feet
of linear feet of lot frontage or 50 square feet, whichever is less,
for commercial lots with less than 200 linear feet of lot frontage.
The total signage permitted on commercial lots with more than 200
linear feet of lot frontage shall be an additional 0.25 square foot
per two feet of frontage.
(2)
The area of all the wall signs, window signs, ground signs, freestanding
signs, exterior banners and temporary signs is connected together
and weighted against the total square footage of signage permitted
in a B1 District.
(3)
Awnings, canopies and marquees cannot project more than four feet
beyond the face of a building, except in the case of the unique design
of the building which has been approved by the City Planning Commission
and the City Engineer. The face of the sign shall be on the vertical
portion of the structure.
(4)
The square footage of all interior window signs (both permanent and
temporary) shall count towards the maximum square footage of signage
permitted on a lot. Therefore, if a commercial establishment has maxed
out the square footage allowed for a wall sign, no window signs shall
be allowed.
(5)
The area of an A-frame sign shall not be counted against the total
sign area permitted on a lot.
(6)
An A-frame sign may only be displayed during the operating hours
of the advertised business.
(7)
An A-frame sign may not be displayed on public property, public sidewalks
or in public rights-of-way without a permit; waiver of fees require
permission of City Council.
G.
B2: Planned Community Business District.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall
|
1 sign per tenant per street frontage
|
?
|
Not to exceed roofline
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
|
Ground
|
1
|
30 square feet
|
10 feet
|
Yes
|
See Subsection G(5)
|
|
Freestanding
|
1
|
?
|
10 feet
|
Yes
|
See Subsection G(5)
|
|
Awnings and companies marquees
|
See Subsection G(3)
|
2 square feet for each linear foot of wall it is attached to,
not to exceed 40 square feet
|
N/A
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
|
Interior window signs
|
See Subsection G(4)
|
25% of window area through which sign is viewed
|
N/A
|
Permanent signs, yes
|
N/A
|
|
A-frame or sandwich signs
|
1
|
2 feet
|
4 feet
|
Yes
|
1 foot
|
(1)
The total signage permitted shall be proportional to street frontage,
based on a ratio of one square foot of signage for every two feet
of linear feet of lot frontage or 50 square feet, whichever is less,
for commercial lots with less than 200 linear feet of lot frontage.
For commercial lots with more than 200 linear feet of lot frontage,
the total signage permitted shall be an additional 0.25 square foot
per two feet of frontage.
(2)
The area of all the wall signs, window signs, ground signs, freestanding
signs, exterior banners and temporary signs is connected together
and weighted against the total square footage of signage permitted
in a B2 District.
(3)
Awnings, canopies and marquees cannot project more than four feet
beyond the face of a building, except in the case of the unique design
of the building which has been approved by the City Planning Commission
and the City Engineer. The face of the sign shall be on the vertical
portion of the structure.
(4)
Interior window signs (both permanent and temporary) shall count
towards the maximum square footage of signage permitted on a lot.
(5)
The location of ground and freestanding signs shall be incorporated
and approved as part of the site plans.
(6)
The area of an A-frame sign shall not be counted against the total
sign area permitted on a lot.
(7)
An A-frame sign may only be displayed during the operating hours
of the advertised business.
(8)
An A-frame sign may not be displayed on public property, public sidewalks
or in public rights-of-way without a permit; waiver of fees requires
permission of City Council.
H.
B3: General Business District.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wall
|
1 sign per tenant per frontage
|
?
|
Roofline
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
|
Ground
|
1
|
30 square feet
|
1 foot
|
4 feet
| |
|
Freestanding
|
1
|
30 square feet
|
10 feet
|
Yes
|
15 feet
|
|
Awnings and companies marquees
|
See Subsection H(3)
|
2 square feet for each linear foot of wall it is attached to,
not to exceed 40 square feet
|
N/A
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
|
Interior window signs
|
See Subsection H(4)
|
25% of window area through which sign is viewed
|
N/A
|
Permanent signs, yes
|
N/A
|
|
A-frame or sandwich signs
|
1
|
2 feet
|
4 feet
|
Yes
|
1 foot
|
(1)
The total signage permitted shall be proportional to street frontage,
based on a ratio of one square foot of signage for every two feet
of linear feet of lot frontage or 50 square feet, whichever is less,
for commercial lots with less than 200 linear feet of lot frontage.
For commercial lots with more than 200 linear feet, the total signage
permitted increases an additional 0.25 square foot per two feet of
frontage.
(2)
The area of all the wall signs, window signs, ground signs, freestanding
signs, exterior banners and temporary signs is connected together
and weighted against the total square footage of signage permitted
in a B3 District.
(3)
Awnings, canopies and marquees cannot project more than four feet
beyond the face of a building except in the case of the unique design
of the building which has been approved by the City Planning Commission
and the City Engineer. The face of the sign shall be on the vertical
portion of the structure.
(4)
Interior window signs (both permanent and temporary) shall count
towards the maximum square footage of signage permitted on a lot.
(5)
The area of an A-frame sign shall not be counted against the total
sign area permitted on a lot.
(6)
An A-frame sign may only be displayed during the operating hours
of the advertised business.
(7)
An A-frame sign may not be displayed on public property, public sidewalks
or in public rights-of-way without a permit; waiver of fees require
permission of City Council.
I.
M1: Light Industrial.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ground
|
1 per lot
|
32 square feet
|
6 feet
|
Yes
|
4 feet
|
|
Wall
|
1 per street frontage
|
5% of wall area to which sign affixed
|
20 feet
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
|
Freestanding accessory
|
1
|
100 square feet
|
10 feet
|
Yes
| |
|
Freestanding nonaccessory
|
1
|
300 square feet
|
20 feet
|
Yes
|
(1)
The buildings can have either a ground sign or a freestanding sign,
but not both.
(2)
Nonaccessory signs, including billboards, shall not be erected or
constructed closer than 2,000 feet from the next nonaccessory sign
in either direction on the same side of the right-of-way and not within
1,000 feet of residentially used property.
(3)
A cash bond in the amount established by resolution of City Council
shall be filed with the City to guaranty proper maintenance of the
sign for the period of the permit. If the applicant fails to maintain
the signs, such bond shall be forfeited and the sign removed by the
City.
J.
M2: Heavy Industrial.
|
Type of Sign
|
Number Per Lot
|
Maximum Size
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
Setback Required
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ground
|
1
|
32 square feet
|
6 feet
|
Yes
|
15
|
|
Wall
|
1 per street frontage
|
10% of wall area to which sign is affixed
|
10 feet
|
Yes
|
N/A
|
|
Freestanding nonaccessory
|
1
|
(1)
A cash bond in the amount established by resolution of City Council
shall be filed with the City to guaranty proper maintenance of the
sign for the period of the permit. If the applicant fails to maintain
the signs, such bond shall be forfeited and the sign removed by the
City.
(2)
The buildings can have either a ground sign or a freestanding sign,
but not both.
(3)
Nonaccessory signs, including billboards, shall not be erected or
constructed closer than 2,000 feet from the next nonaccessory sign
in either direction on the same side of the right-of-way and not within
1,000 feet of residentially used property.
A.
Definition. Every legally existing sign which does not conform to
the height, size, area or location requirements of this chapter as
of the date of the adoption of this chapter is hereby deemed to be
nonconforming. Any sign that was nonconforming at the time of the
adoption of Ordinance No. 356 shall continue to be nonconforming without
interruption of the term of nonconformance by the adoption of this
chapter.
B.
No change. Nonconforming signs may not be expanded, or change in
shape, size, type, placement, design, illuminated or structurally
reconstructed to prolong the life of the sign; however, said signs
may be maintained and repaired so as to continue the useful life of
the sign.
C.
Fifty percent rule. No damaged nonconforming sign shall be replaced
or structurally altered if the cost of repairing the damage exceeds
50% of the estimated cost of replacement or alteration unless it is
reconstructed in compliance with all applicable requirements of this
chapter, the building code and the Zoning Ordinance.[1]
D.
Altered. For the purpose of this section only, the term "altered"
or "reconstruction" shall not include normal maintenance.
E.
Site plan review. Whenever the principal building on a site on which
a nonconforming sign is located is modified to the extent that site
plan review and approval is required, the nonconforming sign shall
be removed.
A.
Intent. It is the intent of this chapter to eliminate nonconforming
signs.
B.
Ninety days. Any sign which for a period of 90 days no longer advertises
a bona fide business conducted, service performed or product sold
at the premises the sign is located shall be removed by the owner
of the building, structure or property within 30 days of receipt of
notice from the City to do so.
C.
Removal of building. If the owner of the sign or the premises on
which the sign is located removes the building so that any sign on
the premises becomes nonconforming, such sign must be removed or made
conforming.
D.
Nuisance. Nonconforming off-premises signs including billboards are
deemed to be a nuisance under this chapter because of their failure
to meet the provisions of this or the former Ordinance No. 356 which
was adopted to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents,
the aesthetic appearance of the City and the value of the property
improvements made therein.
E.
Limitation of nonconformance. Nonconforming off-premises signs, nonaccessory
signs including billboards which were in existence at the time of
the adoption of Ordinance No. 356 (November 1, 1997) shall be allowed
to continue to exist for a period not to exceed 10 years from the
date of adoption of Ordinance No. 356. It was determined at the time
of adoption of Ordinance No. 356 that the law permitted an owner of
a nonconforming sign to be able to secure a reasonable return on its
capital investment and satisfy any then-existing lease obligations.
Ten years was considered by the Supreme Court to be a reasonable period
of time for that to occur, unless otherwise extended by City Council.
Any nonconforming or off-premises sign, nonaccessory sign or billboard
permitted since the adoption of Ordinance No. 356 shall be permitted
to exist no more than 10 years from the adoption of this chapter.
A.
Unsafe and dangerous or unlawful signs as determined by the Building
Official or authorized administrative official shall be removed or
made safe within 30 days of receipt of a notice.
B.
Failure to comply. Should the property owner and/or sign owner fail
to comply with a thirty-day notice to remove the sign, the enforcing
official shall have the option to ticket the owner of the premises
and/or illegal sign or take all steps necessary to cause the removal
of the unsafe sign or correct the unsafe condition. Any cost incurred
by the City in securing the removal of the sign or making the sign
safe shall be paid for by the property owner. If the property owner
fails to make such payment, the City shall be hereby empowered to
assess the cost as a lien against the real property.
A.
Appeal decision of Planning Commission. An appeal of any decision
by the Planning Commission shall be made to the City Council. The
appeal shall be made by filing with the City Clerk an application
for hearing before the City Council specifying the grounds for appeal.
The City Clerk shall transmit to the City Council all documents relating
to the appeal. Upon receipt of the appeal application from the City
Clerk, the City Administrator shall by resolution establish a date
of the public hearing, which date shall respect the following requirements:
B.
Appeal of decision of Building Official. An appeal of any decision
made by the Building Official shall be made pursuant to the appeal
process set forth in the State Construction Code.
A.
General. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct,
maintain, enlarge, alter, move, or convert any sign in the City, or
cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of
any of the provisions of this chapter. A violation shall be a civil
infraction, punishable as provided in Chapter 1, General Provisions,
Article I. Any sign constituting an immediate hazard to health and
safety is hereby deemed a nuisance and may be removed by the Building
Official at the expense of the owner of the sign.
B.
Signs in public right-of-way. In addition to the penalties prescribed
in Subsection A, any sign erected in violation of this chapter in
a public right-of-way may be removed by the City and stored in a safe
location for a minimum of at least 48 hours. During this period of
time the owner of the sign may obtain his or her sign upon request
and payment of a fee as set by resolution of the City Council for
each sign to cover the costs of removal and storage.[1] After 48 hours, the City may dispose of the sign as it
may seem fit.
